The Horizon
The latest updates on our work defending rural lands, creating livable cities and towns and preserving wild lands and water throughout Central Oregon
Holding Sprawl at Bay
Farmers and ranchers deserve affordable access to the land they need to grow food for our communities. Central Oregonians deserve to know their tax dollars aren’t subsidizing luxury sprawl. And all of us deserve to know that the working landscapes that make this place special will remain for generations to come.
Why Deschutes County Must Stop Spot Zoning
Either voluntarily or by enforcement, we call on Deschutes County to honor that covenant by ending its practice of spot zoning.
Originally published as a Guest Column in the Bend Bulletin on 08/27/2025.
LandWatch Defeats 65-Acre Spot Zone Near Tumalo State Park
LandWatch’s Rural Lands team recently won a case challenging Deschutes County’s decision to rezone 65 acres of irrigated farmland before Oregon’s Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA).
Much Ado About Farm Stands
Recently, we saw a fiery online debate about farm stands, agritourism, and DLCD Farm Stand rulemaking process. If you witnessed or participated in the recent dialogue but had a nagging feeling that you weren’t being told the whole story, this blog post is for you.
A Powerful Presence in Salem
Oregon’s 2025 legislative session is heading into its final weeks, and LandWatch is proud to report that it’s shaping up to be a good year for us in Salem.
Coexisting With Fire
Wildfire is essential in our landscape, and an expected element of living, working, and playing in Central Oregon. As we plan for the future, we must learn to coexist with fire.
Thornburgh's Fish and Wildlife Mitigation Plan before Deschutes County—again
On May 7, 2025, Thornburgh’s troubled attempt to revise its Fish and Wildlife Mitigation Plan will come before the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners again.
Crypto, data centers, and the fight for Oregon’s farm fields
When a data center came knocking, Christmas Valley farmers weren’t interested. Read on for the backstory on a significant win for Christmas Valley and Lake County, and an update on an ongoing challenge to preserve agricultural land in Jefferson County.
Pressing Forward
In the first month of the new administration, environmental advocates have faced a maelstrom of threats to the foundations of environmental protection and community well-being.
At LandWatch, we are determined to stay focused on the positive changes we can affect. We are here to defend the land and water of Central Oregon and ensure a livable future for all its residents — and we won’t settle for anything less.
The Case Against Spot Zoning
Oregon’s land use planning system is hailed as a model for preserving its unique agricultural and forest landscapes while fostering sustainable growth.
Despite this, a troubling trend has emerged in recent years: spot zoning of farm and forest lands.
A wide-open way of life
Central Oregon’s rural lands offer iconic scenic vistas, sustain complex high desert ecosystems, and enable a thriving regional agricultural economy.
Farmers Markets in Central Oregon
When you stock up on local food, you’ll enjoy fresher, seasonal food with greater nutritional value.
Bonus: You get shorter transportation distances and a stronger local economy, too!
State reaffirms preservation of 710 acres of farmland in Lower Bridge Valley
On January 24, the Oregon Court of Appeals affirmed LandWatch’s and co-petitioners’ win at the Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) concerning Deschutes County’s attempt to rezone 710 acres of farmland for sprawling luxury development.
Another significant setback for Thornburgh Resort
LandWatch prevailed at Oregon’s Land Use Board of Appeal in appeals of Deschutes County’s decision to approve Thornburgh Resort’s Fish and Wildlife Mitigation Plan (FWMP).
High Desert Cottage Pie
A comforting winter recipe that features ingredients that can be locally sourced in Central Oregon. It is also incredibly flexible and can be made vegetarian, dairy-free or gluten-free.
It's time to define the future of Deschutes County
What do we want Deschutes County to look like in 20 years? The County is asking for your input on its draft update to the Comprehensive Plan.
Another triumph over rural sprawl
Recently, LandWatch prevailed in a community effort to halt yet another instance of development interests seeking to convert agricultural land into rural sprawl.
County Commissioners reverse decision to limit destination resorts
On August 9, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) reversed their approval of LandWatch’s proposed amendments to the county code that would have limited new, luxury destination resorts in Deschutes County.
710 acres of agricultural land saved from sprawling development
Oregon’s Land Use Board of Appeals ruled in favor of LandWatch’s appeal of Deschutes County’s controversial decision to approve a developer’s application to rezone 710 acres of agricultural land in Lower Bridge Valley.
OWRD proposes denial of Thornburgh's request for water rights
On July 25, the Oregon Water Resources Department issued an order proposing denial of water rights requested by the developers of Thornburgh Resort.